‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Gambit, Part II’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, we talked at length about how ‘Gambit, Part I’ was quite the unconventional episode. Since it focused heavily on action and adventure, and it featured a bevy of unique storytelling elements that you don’t often find in this franchise. Such as pirates and mutiny and the supposed death of one Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Plus, it offered up a juicy cliffhanger and well… it is safe to say… that a great deal of us had one important question hanging over our heads after that episode. Specifically… was ‘Gambit, Part II’ going to be as bold and as unique as its predecessor? For this was a grand opportunity to do something supremely special with the franchise in its final year and well… it took little time for the episode to answer that question with a hard… yes and no.

Because the first part of this episode was indeed as unconventional as its predecessor. Since it turned out that the crew of the Enterprise figured out that Commander Riker, and Captain Picard (who they still didn’t know was alive), were basically asking them to play along and work the long con with them. Which allowed for the pirates to escape under the belief they did critical damage to a Galaxy class starship. Which in turn made it seem as though this episode was going to feature a powerful cat and mouse game. One that would eventually end with a grand showdown between the 1701-D and the pirates, where difficult and ugly decisions would have to be made to properly bring these pirates to justice and to keep them from achieving whatever sneaky goal they had in mind. A reality reinforced by the fact that eventually, Jean-Luc crossed a line and brought down Baran to take control of the situation.

But as the episode rolled along, it became clear that more traditional elements were coming into play here. Since Picard was exposed by Tallera for his actions in that fight with the Enterprise, but she didn’t blow his cover to harm him… she instead did it to see if he was an ally. For Tallera was really T’Paal, a Vulcan Intelligence Officer, trying to stop isolationist forces from assembling the artifacts. Which would create, a psionic weapon that could wreak havoc in the galaxy. Which in turn brought forth a desperate push to complete the mission to out the wrongdoers planning to ruin peace and security on Vulcan. One that eventually informed the crew the captain was okay, when Picard and Riker beamed aboard their own ship to get the final artifact. A move that allowed for Riker to stay aboard the ship to make preparations with Vulcan while Picard completed the mission, one that turned out to feature a double cross.
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For T’Paal was in fact, not a member of anything Vulcan related. She was one of the isolationists, looking for bring Vulcan to its knees, and for a brief moment it appeared success was in the cards for her, since she brought down some of the pirate crew with her new weapon. But Picard’s keen mind and eyes helped him to realize… that her weapon meant nothing without a desire for violence from her opponent. Bringing this long and ugly quest to an end and leaving us with a two-parter that featured perfect balance. For it was indeed fifty perfect bold and original storytelling and featured fifty percent of the things that make Star Trek great. Since rising above ugly and being better people is what saved the day and well… that balance really did make for one satisfying pair of stories. Because it never strayed too far from the core elements of Trek, but did enough to wow us, and one can find no fault with that.

Not to mention, the character arcs in this two-part story were outright amazing, and that helped to make this story supremely memorable and worth our while. Since Riker’s push to bring justice forth for his captain was just incredible and speaks to how much this crew has had an impact upon one another. Plus, that scene between Worf and Data is pure gold, since it allowed for us to watch them both grow before our eyes. All of which made this, a supremely worthwhile re-watch when all is said and done. One that definitely generates excitement at a time when we should be feeling sorrow for the end of the series. Since we are now eager to see what other storytelling surprises and wonders await us as we creep toward a grand farewell for this brave and intrepid crew. Until next time.

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